Swastikas and other banned symbols can, however, be displayed in Germany if they are used for 'civic education, countering anti-constitutional activities, art and science, research and education, the coverage of historic and current events, or similar purposes,' according to the Criminal Code. 'There are similar bans - for example, in Austria - but those are a lot less tough,' Solmecke said. The Nazi salute and statements such as 'Heil Hitler' are also banned in public.

In Germany, the law considers swastikas and SS sig runes the 'symbols of anti-constitutional organizations.' Displaying them publicly or selling goods that sport them is illegal. 'Most countries don't penalize the display of Nazi symbols,' the lawyer Christian Solmecke told DW. Last week, the USK lifted its blanket ban, though symbols still must be approved.ĭisplaying Nazi emblems in Germany is, naturally, complicated, even without the USK's guidelines for age ratings and game content.

Until recently, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) had not permitted Nazi symbols - including Hitler's face - anywhere in video games in Germany. In the German version of the popular video game Wolfenstein II, swastikas have been replaced by triangular symbols and the fictional, mustacheless dictator Herr Heiler stands in for the English version's Adolf Hitler, angering many gamers.

Law bans all online games